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20 The PCB Magazine • October 2014 form of cardiometers for athletics and heart monitors for outpatient monitoring. Original- ly the information generated by these devices was stored onboard, if at all, and downloaded through either a cable or infrared connection to a computer. One of the first forays into the separation of sensor and storage via a wireless connection was the tie-up introduced about 10 years ago be- tween Apple's iPod and an accelerometer about the size of a quarter placed in a special cavity in a Nike running shoe. The impact of the runner's foot caused signals to be sent to the iPod and the generated data could then be uploaded to the internet via a host computer. This early configuration has been followed by an increasing number of devices designed to send information to a nearby receiver. The most common configuration is an enhanced form factor in a relationship which is becoming known as "More than Moore" (Figure 1). The horizontal vector of diversification is characterized by interaction with other people, things, and the environment, and for this to oc- cur in a satisfactory manner the device must be capable of wireless communication. The min- iaturization of function and proliferation of advanced packaging solutions which are now providing more silicon area than the area of the motherboard they sit on are offering the key to emergence and growth of a new applications opportunity: wearable electronics. Wearable Electronics: A Need for Interaction Wearables are a distinct category of devices, separate from mobile/portables or implants. They've been around for a long time in the WEARABLE ELECTRONICS continues figure 1: dual vector relationship driving packaging evolution. (source: itrs)